Which towns are the best to see in the Loire Valley in order of priorty and how many days are required for each. Also, are these within reach by train from Paris or is it absolutely neccessary to rent a car for a week? Only would have 7 days in April. Thank you.

I had the opportunity to spend some time in a town called Bourges for two summers in a row and found to be a charming, very historical and great home base for Loire Valley exploration. I was way more impressed with their cathedral than with Notre Dame... <BR> <BR>I could recommend some hotels. Please contact me if you need more details.

Laurie, I used Saumur and Amboise as my home bases for a recent trip through the Loire valley. I found them both to be a nice place from which to get to all the chateaus in the area.

I used Chissay en Tourraine as "home base", staying in the chateau. This put me at the center, if you will, of the spokes of a wheel from which I could tour several chateaus and towns. Get out a map and a book on the history of the chateaus and the region and you will more or less be able to decide where you need to make your base camp. Are you more interested in Art?/History?/Archetecture?/Royalty? Deciding what your interests are will help us help you if you like. -Cher

I used Chissay en Tourraine as "home base", staying in the chateau. This put me at the center, if you will, of the spokes of a wheel from which I could tour several chateaus and towns. Get out a map and a book on the history of the chateaus and the region and you will more or less be able to decide where you need to make your base camp. Are you more interested in Art?/History?/Architecture?/Royalty? Deciding what your interests are will help us help you if you like. -Cher

Just returned home (four hours ago - ah jetlag!) from ten days in Paris and the Loire. We spent time in Paris and then took the train to Tours and spent four nights in the area (one in Tours, three in Cormery). <BR> <BR>My husband and I actually only visited Chenonceau - it was lovely and very capable of handling huge crowds. My husband visited Chinon (ruins) and I visited the Abbey at Fontevraud. We both felt that Chinon and Fontevraud deserved at least a half day for additional exploring (not far apart so easy to combine). I especially loved the abbey at Fontevraud. Walking into the church was unlike anything else I saw in France. The abbey was very well endowed so it is beautifully appointed and wonderful to view, also has strong connections to Acquitaine history. <BR> <BR>In general my husband and I enjoyed least the "must see" places and enjoyed most the discoveries we happened upon or sought out. I'd love to share more thoughts, feel free to e-mail me directly. <BR> <BR>To get a sense of the Loire, I would recommend spending a few nights there. The train is easy from Paris to Tours and car rental in Tours was simple. Our one note (for next time!) was to pick up car in Tours and drop it off in Chartre so we could view the cathedral there.

Hi Valerie. <BR>First, you really should have a car to make the most of your trip. Driving is really easy in the area. I based myself in Tours which I liked for several reasons. First, there is a good variety of restaurants and not too expensive accomodations. Also, since it is a little larger, I found it fairly easy to find someone who was English speaking when I needed assistance as I have no mastery of the French language. Plus it is central to places like Chenonceaux, Blois, Amboise, Villandry etc. I think you can take a train directly to Tours from Paris. <BR>Ellen

7/25 Just got back from the Loire Valley tour on the barge Chanterelle. Lots of relaxing visits to interesting towns as part of the tour (via bus). Check with Abercrobie & Kent and ask for the brochure and you'll get details. You start in Paris, then 6 nights on the barge, back to Paris. Food is gourmet each day with red and white wines and variety of cheeses, all included.

Thanks everybody for the info. It sounds like I would take the train from Paris to Tours, then pick up a car in Tours for a few days. Can anyone tell me how long is the train ride? Also, which is better, the Loire Valley or Provence? I like history, and more populated areas. Thanks again.

Valerie-- <BR>I would recommend the drive from Paris if you can swing it. I'm sure the train is quick and easy. The drive itself is beautiful, with many opportunities for sightseeing along the way. I was there last December and found Tours to be a great home base. We stayed at the Grand Hotel, which is right across from the train and bus stations. It is a very nice hotel with incredibly large rooms and a parking garage across the street. My sister became very ill, so we weren't able to go too far (they also have very helpful pharmacists!) We did get to Amboise. A beautiful city and breathtaking chateau. It sits on the highest point in the town and overlooks the river. The best pictures of our trip were taken at Amboise. There is a great sense of history there. Leonardo DeVinci is buried in the chapel. <BR> <BR>I would recommend Tours as a home base. <BR>Have fun on your trip in April.